The expected output will be a report or reports on the results of the work conducted for each step above, together with one or more Recommendations, as appropriate. Outputs may also include regular updates to the online toolkit, and the development of any additional tools or guidelines to support the implementation of telecommunications/ICTs for use in disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. In order to facilitate discussion and to provide more timely outputs for the benefit of Member States, consideration may be given, when developing the work plan, to focusing on certain topics each year of the study period, while maintaining flexibility based on contributions received.Succinct outputs summarizing case studies and capturing lessons learned, best practices and tools/templates will be prepared and presented to the study Question for approval annually, on an agreed theme. Examples could include, but are not limited to:

– Best practices and country experiences in planning, exercising and deploying early-warning systems for disaster risk reduction, including safety confirmation. The output will consider developed- and developing-country experiences in deploying early-warning systems and offer good practices and implementation guidance on establishing early-warning systems.– Guidelines for preparing and conducting disaster communications exercises and drills and for assessing and updating plans, policies, and procedures based on lessons learned.– Best practices regarding the enabling policy environment for the deployment of emergency communications systems. The discussion will address regulatory and policy barriers that exist for the implementation of resilient emergency communications systems, and identify best practices that enable early warning, continuity of communications and more effective response and recovery.– Seminars and workshops to share knowledge, information and best practices, featuring subject-matter experts, administrations and Sector Members who are able to share expertise and experiences related to the theme from a national and/or regional/global perspective, and collection of case studies related to the theme.– A summary of contributions received describing new technologies, systems and applications for emergency communications and considerations to support their implementation. The focus will be on both technology examples and also deployment case studies of new and emerging systems and applications for emergency communications and response.

Question or issue for study

1 Continue examination of terrestrial, space‑based and integrated telecommunications/ICTs to assist affected countries in utilizing relevant applications for disaster prediction, detection, monitoring, early warning, response and relief, including consideration of best practices/guidelines for implementation, and in ensuring a favourable regulatory environment to enable rapid deployment and implementation. 2 Continue gathering national experiences and case studies in disaster preparedness, mitigation and response, and in the development of national disaster communications plans, and examine common themes between them. 3 Examine the role that administrations and Sector Members and other expert organizations and stakeholders share in collaboratively addressing disaster management and the effective use of telecommunications/ICTs. 4 Examine the implementation of early-warning systems, and related disaster risk reduction and response actions, including safety confirmations in the event of a disaster.5 Examine emergency communications planning, implementation and analysis of disaster communications exercises and drills.6 Examine the enabling environment for more resilient communications networks and for the deployment of emergency communications systems, which includes, but is not limited to, emergency response, preparedness and recovery.7 Develop best practices for the elaboration of national and regional disaster-management plans or frameworks for the use of telecommunications/ICTs in natural and man-made disaster and/or emergency situations, working in coordination with the relevant BDT programmes, regional offices and other partners. 8 Continue updating the online toolkit with relevant information and materials collected during the study period.